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Information About Root Canals

A root canal is a treatment performed to remove unhealthy tissue from a diseased tooth. According to the Mayo Clinic, a root canal is not a painful procedure. It is usually performed by a general dentist or an endodontist -- a dentist who specializes in root canals.

  1. Identification

    • The MedicineNet website states that root canal performed to preserve the life of a decayed or infected tooth. When the nerve pulp of the tooth breaks down within the root canal, and becomes damaged or filled with harmful bacteria, the nerve must be removed and the tooth cleaned and sealed with a crown. This is an artificial covering for the tooth, typically made of porcelain or gold.

    Symptoms

    • According to WebMd, a person in need of a root canal will typically experience severe pain while chewing, swelling or tenderness in the surrounding gum, and the affected tooth may become discolored. In certain cases, there are few or no symptoms.

    Considerations

    • Although a root canal is typically a successful procedure, according to animated-teeth.com, it is possible for the procedure to fail. Sometimes, tiny branches of the main root canal are present, and provide a place for bacteria to hide and reinfect the tooth in the future. Tiny cracks in a tooth can result in this same condition. The tooth can also become recontaminated if the crown does not fit properly. If a person suspects his or her root canal has failed, medical attention should be sought as soon as possible.

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